Dombrowski: Luis Arraez wasn't Phillies' top trade deadline target

Published Aug 7, 02:58 PM UTC

Philadelphia Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski admitted that Luis Arraez was not his primary target at the trade deadline. The team initially sought a right-handed hitting outfielder to bolster the middle of the lineup but found no suitable everyday player, only platoon options. Forced to pivot, Dombrowski acquired left-handed hitting infielder Luis Arraez, a three-time batting champion, and moved Bryce Harper back to the outfield. In his Phillies debut, Arraez delivered an RBI single and a double, sparking a 2-0 lead. The unconventional trade has already paid early dividends, though its long-term postseason impact remains to be seen.